First Tevis
May 4, 2008 Bonnie Petley Saba
Hi Group, This is my first Tevis. I live in the Middle East & have done most of my Endurance riding in the UAE. In the UAE the riders travel light with any water or other provisions the rider may need supplied to them by the crew vehichle which follows. I understand that there are areas at the Tevis that are not accesible by crew. What sort of provisions & water should a rider take with them. What are the best ways to take water & provisions along with you that would be the lest interfering with horse & rider?
Hi Group, This is my first Tevis. I live in the Middle East & have done most of my Endurance riding in the UAE. In the UAE the riders travel light with any water or other provisions the rider may need supplied to them by the crew vehichle which follows. I understand that there are areas at the Tevis that are not accesible by crew. What sort of provisions & water should a rider take with them. What are the best ways to take water & provisions along with you that would be the lest interfering with horse & rider?
May 07, 2008 Potato
Bonnie, There are many sections of the trail where there is absolutely no access. Many riders carry water bottles and even backpacks with a constant supply of water fed via a tube that attaches to the vest of the rider. Personally I think it is not really a problem to ride a few hours without water. Fact is there are 9 stops along the way where a rider can get a drink. The longest section is from Foresthill to Francisco's and that is always later in the day and it is cooler so the need for water is not critical. If a rider is in good health and fit then at the most in my opinion a water bottle attached to your waist is great. Most riders carry way too much stuff on their saddle and it just becomes a burden to the horse. Absolutely the worst thing I see quite often is a plastic gallon jug cut into the shape of a scoop. Sometimes a rider will even have two of them tied to their saddle. They flop around and made a terrible noise and there really is very little need to even use them. Download and watch my tips video and you will see some good advice. I look forward to your feedback.
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May 09, 2008 Jonni
Well Heck, I'll jump in here with some thoughts.
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May 13, 2008 Potato
Jonni, You have brought up a very important point. Rider fatigue is a very important aspect of endurance. Participants in all disciplines must have the stamina and strength to carry on by the very definition of endurance. In my video I recall mentioning that Bobby Fisher worked out 4 hours a day in a gym while he was challenging the Russian champion for the World Championship in Chess. In 1982 when I ran the WS 100 mile run if it had not been for the water I was drinking I would have never finished the event. Little did I know that experience would take me on a path of study about water that has never ceased to amaze me. Rather then repeat everything here I suggest you go to www.CoolWaterCo.com and read the first page. This information continues to amaze me even this very week I had great feed-back on the Revitalized Water. This could very well change your whole outlook as well as your water consumption habits.
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May 14, 2008 Heather
Bonnie, I think you should prepare for this ride like you would any other. Jonni makes a good point about the altitude. If it were me I would try to be here a couple of weeks ahead of time to get used to the altitude and the terrain. From my own experience I saw a big difference between riding in the desert of Nevada verses the foothills at Buck Meadows. The terrain can make a big difference some times in how your horse and your body respond.
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Thanks Potato for the DVD's!
When I think of you I think of Tevis!! And I don't even know you! One day I'll ride it.
Diana
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Hi Potato,
It's been a long time since I posted anything on your website. I was getting over the fact that Tevis wasn't going to happen for me this year. I have learned so much, basically all I know, about the sport of endurance from you and want to thank you sincerely. I found a new joy and that I didn't really realize I was interested in. I learned that endurance isn't just being able to go the distance but also being able to adapt to and "endure" unexpected situations such as: inclimate weather, ride delays or cancellations, and even leaking tents! I've enjoyed and grown from every experience from april until July and I hope to get to ride more throughout the year. I had a desire once to try "an endurance ride" and now because of your great mentoring and your incredible horses (which totally spoiled me) I have to complete my mission. I acquired the 300 miles needed to qualify for Tevis under your training and now I need to conquer Tevis...'09 here I come..See you on the trail...TTFN Heather
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Heather it was a pleasure riding with you and I was very impressed how you took to the sport like a fish to water. The various incidents along the way reinforced my feelings on riding techniques and your ability to handle every challenge along the way convinced me that your finishing Tevis is a given. Now all you need is a good endurance horse. I happen to know where you can get one too.
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